Team News
26 August 2016 1480 comments
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Philippe Coutinho is a doubt for Liverpool’s clash with Spurs. Sunderland stopper Vito Mannone has been ruled out for at least three months, Ryan Bertrand faces a late assessment after returning to training, whilst Arsene Wenger has still to decide whether he will start Mesut Ozil at Watford.

Philippe Coutinho is rated a doubt for Liverpool’s trip to Spurs. The midfielder has picked up a hamstring problem and was only able to take part in light training yesterday. Emre Can (ankle) and Divock Origi (cramp) are also both uncertain to feature. The pair picked up problems during the midweek cup win over Burton Albion and will be assessed, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.

Vito Mannone has been ruled out for “a minimum of three months” with elbow ligament damage, David Moyes confirmed earlier today. John O’Shea remains out with a hip problem, though the Black Cats are hopeful that Fabio Borini will recover from a toe injury in time. Lamine Kone will be assessed later today.

Arsene Wenger will make a late decision on whether to start Mesut Ozil in Arsenal’s clash with Watford. The Gunners boss also admitted that Olivier Giroud is “a fraction behind physically”.

Joe Ledley and Wayne Hennessey are “struggling” to be passed fit for Palace’s clash with Bournemouth. Alan Pardew has also conceded that Christian Benteke is likely to start on the bench due to a lack of match fitness, with Connor Wickham leading the line.

Watford boss Walter Mazzarri has conceded “it’s nearly impossible” that he will field all three new signings, Daryl Janmaat, Younes Kaboul and Roberto Pereyra from the start against Arsenal. Isaac Success is available for selection after overcoming a hamstring complaint.

Mark Noble is expected to recover from a knock in time for West Ham’s trip to Man City. Slaven Bilic says “maybe one” of Dimitri Payet or Manuel Lanzini will be ready for the Etihad. Havard Nordtveit is almost certain to miss out with a foot problem.

Nampalys Mendy (ankle) and Jeffrey Schlupp (muscle) are both unavailable for the visit of Swansea. Claudio Ranieri remains optimistic that both could return immediately after the international break.

James McCarthy, Darron Gibson and Tom Cleverley are all expected to recover from minor knocks in time for Everton’s home clash with Stoke. Seamus Coleman has stepped up his recovery from an ankle issue but remains on the sidelines.

Swansea’s club-record Borja Baston remains unavailable for the weekend trip to Leicester due to a thigh problem. Neil Taylor will feature for the Under 23s this evening and will also miss out against the Foxes as he builds up his match fitness.

Ryan Bertrand is back in full training and will be assessed ahead of Southampton’s clash with Sunderland. Jeremy Pied (knee) is ruled out, though Oriol Romeu has recovered from the knock that forced him off against Man United on Friday night.

Hugo Lloris is still sidelined with a hamstring injury for Spurs’ clash with Liverpool, though Kevin Wimmer has recovered from a similar complaint. Mousa Dembele serves the fifth of a sixth-match suspension.

Jack Butland and Glen Johnson remain sidelined for Stoke’s trip to Everton, though Mark Hughes refuses to rule out Xherdan Shaqiri, who has yet to train this week due to a calf complaint.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Friday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.

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  1. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Lamela or Barkley ?

    1. The Iron Tulip
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Barkley!

    2. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Lamela

    3. Mavric Marco
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Boss

    4. Cecil The Lion
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Lamela

    5. Hasselbaink Forever
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Lamela

    6. Sadio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Barkley, Spurs not to be trusted just yet

    7. Jebiga
      10 years, 2 months ago

      both and play 352

  2. bring_on _the_fantasy
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Lamela > Barkley ....or save the FT?

    1. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      save it. nice to have 2 FT (if possible) for int'l break

      1. bring_on _the_fantasy
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Thats what i was thinking, hope lamela has one of his 'good' games

        1. Cevap
          10 years, 2 months ago

          me too as an owner 🙂

  3. FPL FREAK
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Valdes. Jakupovic.
    Azpi. Shaw. Stones. Friend. Peters.
    Hazard. Coutinho. Lamella. Hojebjerg. Maloney.
    Ibra. Aguero. Negredo.

    Cou>> ?? Mane/Mata ...??

    1. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I like Mane if you can afford. Mata is not going to be in the first XI long term

      1. FPL FREAK
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yes I can afford him... Shell I go for it...??

        1. Cevap
          10 years, 2 months ago

          I don't see why not. Mane always a better choice than Couts

  4. Mavric Marco
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Williams 100% nailed on to start?

    PS. I know you hate him Dunny 🙂

    1. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      If fit, i would say so. I just can't imagine he would leave Swans to sit on bench at Everton at that age...but guess you never if money was a factor

      1. Mavric Marco
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Ta. Yes I would agree, just don't want to use my 2nd FT to bring him in and not start!

        1. Cevap
          10 years, 2 months ago

          in that case and if you have no other pressing issues, save the FT and reassess during break

  5. Cecil The Lion
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Repost

    I'm getting Oscar out for a hit. It will probably be Mahrez as I've had my eye on him since the Arsenal game. But others are tempting me. Who would suggest?

    a) Mahrez
    b) Ozil
    c) Tadic
    d) Mirallas

    Cheers

    1. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Think a week early for Ozil

      Mahrez then reaccess

      Mahrez , Ozil , payet , all the same price and the last 2 have good fixtures soon , so makes the switch very easy

      1. Cecil The Lion
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. I can't really look pass his pens as well tbh.

    2. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      all very solid picks. maybe C until he gets his 20+ score within the next few weeks and than ditch? 😉

      seriously though, probably A out of those considering nailedness and form

      1. Cecil The Lion
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. He looks like he will get one of those hauls soon enough

    3. Lambey
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I think Tadic +2m is best option, but if no obvious place to upgrade then i'd go Ozil

      1. Cecil The Lion
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. My only concern about Ozil is Wenger's doubt about him starting

    4. One Man
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I like have and Mahrez, as he's on penalties.

      1. One Man
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Like**

      2. Cecil The Lion
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers.

    5. Knowledgeable meerkat
      10 years, 2 months ago

      If you are making a transfer for definite, it'd be Tadic for me

      1. Cecil The Lion
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. I have Redmond as well but wouldn't mind doubling up

        1. Knowledgeable meerkat
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah Sunderland look abject in defence and that was before mannone was ruled out

  6. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Conte says Willian started training yesterday but a decision has not been made on whether he plays tomorrow.

    https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/769144126159937536

  7. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Conte: "Batshuayi is a player of #Chelsea and I can decide to start him tomorrow. I’m pleased about his attitude to improve."

    1. JIM BOB
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'd love him to become an FPL option

    2. Ziro
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Batsmobile gaining ground.

  8. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    10 years, 2 months ago

    With Friend out injured, would you play Amat or Pieters?

    Was considering AOA with Capoue but changed my mind

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      10 years, 2 months ago

      AOA

  9. Cecil The Lion
    10 years, 2 months ago

    So Wenger waited all pre-season for the right buys:

    Mustafi and Perez

    1. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Perez 🙁

      1. Cecil The Lion
        10 years, 2 months ago

        What a joke. Your rivals across the road picked up the better buy if you ask me

        1. JIM BOB
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Zaza?

          1. Cecil The Lion
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Seven Sisters Road 😉

            1. JIM BOB
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Ah! Yes, I agree. Although not sure he will get the game time he deserves at Spurs!?

    2. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Perez?

      1. Cecil The Lion
        10 years, 2 months ago

        That's probably what the scouts asked Wenger when he suggested him 😉

        1. Cevap
          10 years, 2 months ago

          😆

    3. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Pep & Mourinho looking for and getting the players they want
      Arsenal getting any player who fits budget 🙁

    4. The Iron Tulip
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Should have gone for Lacazette... who even is this Perez??

    5. Ziro
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Perez > Nolito this season. 😉

      1. Cecil The Lion
        10 years, 2 months ago

        😆

  10. allaboutthemagic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy marital out ibra Barkley in for -4pt hit?

    Good shout?

    1. chrisdale98
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I dunno whether to take out vardy for ibra either... I'm torn

    2. SheBangsTheDrums
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I think so

    3. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      don't like the hit tbh. I assume you need to do the second to fund the first. maybe save it and reassess during Int'l break

  11. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Really happy with the Continho news - think that'll only help Firm grab some points!

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Because?

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Because it's one less no10 on the pitch. Firmno drops deeper when Coutinho plays.

        He showed this one Tuesday where he scored and played further up.

    2. Licky
      10 years, 2 months ago

      They play better together. Hopefully Firmino isn't playing as a false 9.

    3. Backup Dancer
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It's worry that this is needed to think he'll get points. Heading towards the chopping block even if he does produce.

      1. Mull
        10 years, 2 months ago

        He didn't need Coutinho to be injured last season.

        1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Coutinho was injured a lot of last season.

        2. Backup Dancer
          10 years, 2 months ago

          We didn't have Mane then. I'm worried about rotation going forward.

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      10 years, 2 months ago

      People grab at anything for firmino points, first it was "he plays up front that's where he gets pts", then at burnley it was "he is playing deeper, false 9 didn't suit him he will score pts".

      😆

      1. Cevap
        10 years, 2 months ago

        your first statement should read...."People grab at anything for points" 😆

        no matter what, we all (including me at times 😉 ) try to justify how our players will get points. part of the game i guess

    5. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No matter what - Firmino needs to do something. already suffered a 0.1 and if only returns 2 pts this weekend, he's gone during international break

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed

        1. Cevap
          10 years, 2 months ago

          hopefully the little bugger reads these posts and gets some motivation 😉

    6. Bubz
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Id have thought it would be bad for Firmino...?

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I really don't think it is.

        I'd be interested to know how many of Firmino's goals were assisted by Cout.

  12. chrisdale98
    10 years, 2 months ago

    mahrez townsend hazard lamela hojberg

    aguero vardy long

    what do I do?

    1. Hasselbaink Forever
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Think about moving on Vardy, Long and maybe Townesend, but not this week as they all have decent home fixtures

  13. Somalion
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Ryan Mason possibly to Hull, fee agreed

    1. SheBangsTheDrums
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Hull love signing Spurs players!

  14. Licky
    10 years, 2 months ago

    How long is Mannone out for?

    1. Syd.
      10 years, 2 months ago

      3 months

    2. Mull
      10 years, 2 months ago

      3 months according to the article above. *screams internally*

      1. Licky
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Didn't see that. *blushes* Pickford is a decent option until then though. :O

        1. Mull
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Seems like it. I'm just annoyed that I spent 0.5m more to get Mannone over Jakupovic.

  15. Kolos on Holidays
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all... First post.. Been lurking for a while!

    I want to make some changes but I don't know what to do

    Foster (Jaku)

    Baines Stones Walker (Friend, Amat)

    Hazard Firmino Lamela Tadic Capoue

    Aguero Vardy Gray

    Any thoughts or suggestions?

    Tadic/Firmino not scoring and Vardy has Swansea so 1 more week for him?

    1. Kolos on Holidays
      10 years, 2 months ago

      2FT 0.0 ITB by the way

    2. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      if only 1 ft, save it and reassess over break

      1. Cevap
        10 years, 2 months ago

        never mind. just saw your second post. Maybe downgrade a defender in anticipation of going vardy to ibra next week

        1. Kolos on Holidays
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Sorry lol! just saw that.. Which would you downgrade? Maybe Walker?

          1. Cevap
            10 years, 2 months ago

            probably baines or walker

            1. Cevap
              10 years, 2 months ago

              dumb answer. I like walker more than baines tbh...so probably baines

              1. Kolos on Holidays
                10 years, 2 months ago

                Thanks, I hadn't actually thought of this. Was only considering Tadic or Firmino downgrades up till now. Something to think about..!

      2. Kolos on Holidays
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks CEVAP, I have 2FT though

  16. MrClaude
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Hello guys
    Heaton/jaku
    Fuchs/shaw/stones/evans/amat/
    Oscar/firmino/tadic/eriksen/watson
    Aguero/kane/gray

    Kane-->ibra
    Oscar/eriksen---mirallas/brkley???
    Any suggestion??????

    1. Kolos on Holidays
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Kane to Ibra.. Yes IMO

      And for the 2nd choice I would go Oscar to Barkley atm but with Bolasie coming in you wouldn't know how that will effect it. Some Everton attack is important IMO with their fixtures, although I haven't got any in yet!

  17. Mull
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I think Spurs are going to show everyone tomorrow just how good of a team they are. Can see them winning 3-1.

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I agree. If they can keep Mane quiet i expect them to seriously expose Liverpool

    2. Jebiga
      10 years, 2 months ago

      i think spurs will not reach top 5 this season

      1. Ziro
        10 years, 2 months ago

        This

      2. Mull
        10 years, 2 months ago

        If their squad can stay reasonably fit I see no reason why they won't.

    3. Licky
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It wouldn't surprise me. Especially if Klopp persists with Lallana and Wijnaldum in midfield. I'd like Origi to start but sadly I don't think he will. :/

    4. Backup Dancer
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Not without Dembele. They're still finding their feet.

      1. Cevap
        10 years, 2 months ago

        this...still trying to figure out how to fit jaansen/alli/lamela/eriksen and without dembele who drives the bus, it is fdifficult

    5. Cecil The Lion
      10 years, 2 months ago

      This. I see a CS for them.

    6. Mavric Marco
      10 years, 2 months ago

      3 gaols without Dembélé 😯

      I'll go for a 1-1

      1. Mull
        10 years, 2 months ago

        They deserved way more than one goal last week and have been defensively solid in both games.

  18. Happy birthday Optimus
    Optimus.
    10 years, 2 months ago

    It was my birthday yesterday btw, thanks again for the all cards and well wishes, I've been inundated with them

    1. Licky
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Who are you?

        1. Licky
          10 years, 2 months ago

          😆 Happy Birthday!

    2. Mavric Marco
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No Hot Topic! 😕

    3. Ziro
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Started early today?

      1. Optimus.
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Bit early for stupid questions Ziro

    4. Ziro
      10 years, 2 months ago

      How long until a post gets deleted?

      1. Optimus.
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Not long now 😉

    5. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      why didn't you say something yesterday? we could have celebrated your 65th with some Viagra

      1. Optimus.
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I'm not 65 😉

        1. Cevap
          10 years, 2 months ago

          😆

          happy belated birthday, mate

    6. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      HBday!

    7. Somalion
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Just wait for your Sexy Saturday with Somalion 😉

    8. stilicho
      • Has Moderation Rights
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Happy day after birthday!

    9. A.T
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Happy Birthday 🙂

    10. df34
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Belated Happy Birthday Optimus.

      Cheers for the advice on transfer values and points hits.

      I hope you treated yourself to an extra few transfers on your birthday 🙂

    11. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Belated Happy Birthday, Optimus...sorry for the tardy HT!

    12. Bolivian Seaman
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Happy birthday!

    13. Holy See
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It's your year! 😉

    14. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Belated Happy Birthday I'm locking this thread 😉

  19. cull93
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Who to play?
    A) Gray away to Chelsea
    or B) Capoue at home to Arsenal

    1. The Iron Tulip
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'd go gray if I had him.

    2. Kolos on Holidays
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'd have the same decision and I'm going with Gray. Purely because he is a striker.

    3. cull93
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Lovely, thanks for the help.

  20. Worzel Gummidge
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Assuming Mugatu signs for Arsenal is it better to have Holding and play him this week or just get Evans now to avoid a future tranny?

    2 assumptions are that he is match fit and will go straight into team but 2 weeks off would fix that AND that Arsene will actually seal the deal.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      10 years, 2 months ago

      mugatu?

    2. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      did you mean mustafi?

      avoid and get evans

      1. Worzel Gummidge
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yep - Agree. Think its a done deal and Holding will be dropped. Dont want to plan transfers after WC.

  21. Malcolm Tucker for England …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    jako and pickford too stupid an idea at 8.0?
    helps the rest of my team a touch...

    1. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Nope. I am on WC and going with this. See no difference to playing Foster every GW. I will just rotate. Save points and CS now and again is good enough for me for 8M

    2. The Iron Tulip
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Not a fan, don't see any clean sheets. Suppose it depends how much of a difference .5 makes to your team

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      10 years, 2 months ago

      not a bad idea

    4. Too Mane Men
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Not a bad WC strategy but still think the Pulis effect + save points will make Foster the best option this season.

    5. Jebiga
      10 years, 2 months ago

      good choice i think !

    6. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      thank you gents

    7. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I like it. I'm not on wc and thinking of doing this if nothing else urgent arises

  22. SheBangsTheDrums
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Lads, I need some advice! Don't want to burn a FT!

    Foster Jaku

    Shaw Stones Friend Amat Kone

    Hazard Lamela Townsend Gaston Leko

    Kun Ibra Vardy

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      10 years, 2 months ago

      leko out

  23. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    10 years, 2 months ago

    If you didn't cost 50m you are crap, stick to fantasy football lads. Even then you can't win

    1. Ziro
      10 years, 2 months ago

      So much this.

  24. Fingerspitzengefühl
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Who will get the most points over the next three gameweeks; Mahrez or Firmino?

    1. Backup Dancer
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Draw

    2. One Man
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say Mahrez.

  25. Trae44
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Mane on a WC yes or no? Would be my 2nd mid

    1. Fingerspitzengefühl
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yes!

      1. Trae44
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers 🙂

    2. The Iron Tulip
      10 years, 2 months ago

      If I was on my WC, I would bring him in.

    3. Cevap
      10 years, 2 months ago

      yes

  26. papabouba
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Sam Byram, yay or nay?

    Fixtures look sweet from GW4 onwards

  27. The Count of Monte Cristo
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Anybody else think that Mustafi will do well at Arsenal, both on the field and in the dressing room?

    1. Ziro
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Me and other Arsenal fans

  28. Mahesh_Kumar
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Would you play Capoue (Home to Arsenal) or Vertonghen (Home to Liverpool)?

    1. Ziro
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Always the attacker is Evs' rule.

  29. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I have both Hennessey and Valdes. What to do?

    A) Wait
    B) Do Hennessey > Heaton for a -4